This video captures an outstanding demonstration by one of Aikido’s preeminent masters, Christian Tissier at Aiki Expo 2005 held in Los Angeles, California.

Tissier Sensei, 7th dan Aikikai, began aikido as a boy in France in 1962, He spent eight years in Japan at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo training with many of the art’s top masters. On his return to his native France, Tissier Sensei brought back a new kind of aikido that soon captured the imagination of the aikido world in his country and practitioners throughout Europe. Tissier is at present the leading figure in the FFAAA organization, one of France’s two large aikido associations. He is the sole foreign instructor to have taught at the International Aikido World Congress.

In this demonstration, Tissier first offers a series of exciting Kashima Shin-ryu kata. This classical style descends through the lineage of Zenya Kunii and Minoru Inaba, taught at the Meiji Grand Shrine in Tokyo. This school also influenced the aikido of Seigo Yamaguchi Sensei, one of Tissier’s mentors.

Following the sword demonstration, Tissier Sensei demonstrates many elegant and dynamic taijutsu forms in his own inimitable style. He reveals a very high level of aikido that has attracted literally tens of thousands of students the world over.

Christian Tissier has supported Aikido Journal behind the scenes for many years. His participation in the Aiki Expo 2005 was one of the highlights of this unforgettable weekend. Christian has enjoyed a tremendous success built on his arduous experience in Japan and discipline. He is a model to us all of the potential of a lifetime of dedication to aikido practice.

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